'India call-up hasn't added extra pressure' - N Jagadeesan reacts after brilliant 197 in Duleep Trophy semi-final

Published - 05 Sept 2025, 20:38 IST | Updated - 05 Sept 2025, 21:11 IST

2025 has been memorable for Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper N Jagadeesan. He was recently picked in India's side for the fifth Test against England after Rishabh Pant was ruled out due to an injury. While the 29-year-old did not get a chance to make his international debut, he celebrated his maiden India call-up by smashing a century in the ongoing semi-final clash between North Zone and South Zone in the Duleep Trophy at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru.

While opening the batting, the Coimbatore-born amassed 197 off 352 balls, hitting 16 fours and two sixes. His mesmerising knock helped Mohammed Azharuddeen-led South Zone put up a massive first-innings score of 536 at the end of Day 2.

After the end of the day's play, Jagadeesan said that he is grateful for the opportunities he is getting, playing in tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and the Ranji Trophy, which is a dream for many.

"If I'm going to think about that, that's just added pressure on me. I'm here to just enjoy the sport and make sure that I enjoy each and every match that I get to play. I need to be grateful for the opportunity that I'm getting here because there're a billion people who want to play the Duleep Trophy, Ranji Trophy and, you know, be part of the Indian team," Jagadeesan was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

"So, you know, it's not just about your own performances, but it is also about how the team combination is and all the other stuff. So, there are a lot of X factors. So, it's about staying in the present and not thinking about the future," he added.

Jagadeesan said that he is taking only the positives from his India call-up and looking to enjoy himself while playing the beautiful sport.

Duleep Trophy 2025, SZ vs NZ: South post huge total on Day 2

"It's just about enjoying the sport till the day I play. When I got the Indian call-up...I think I need to just take the positives out of it in terms of being more confident. I was very lucky to be there. And I think I just have to, you know, take some confidence out of it and, you know, make sure that I can translate that while I go on to play," he added.